International Sevens player of the year DJ Forbes is one of three key players forced out of coach Gordon Tietjens' side for the USA Sevens in San Diego this weekend.

The New Zealand captain has been diagnosed with an injury to his left foot, which needs rest if he is to have any chance of competing at the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai in March.

Experienced players Edwin Cocker and Tomasi Cama have also been ruled out of the American leg of the World Series, where New Zealand will start as defending champions having stormed to success last year.

Forbes has been replaced by Taranaki’s Ben Souness, while Chad Tuoro and Nigel Hunt have been called up in place of Cocker and Cama respectively.

The New Zealand team suffered a run of injuries during the NZI Sevens in Wellington with Cocker ruled out for at least six weeks with a broken leg and half back Cama out for at least the San Diego tournament with a knee injury.

Nafi Tuitavake was also being monitored after suffering an ankle injury but has been passed fit to travel and compete.

Learning in adversity

After battling back from a shock opening loss against Wales at the Westpac Stadium, New Zealand were pipped on the final whistle by England in the final and are now tied for second spot with England on 44 points in the overall World Series standings, four points behind leaders South Africa.

Coach Tietjens said that the NZI Sevens campaign had been one of the toughest he has experienced with injuries, a suspension and a tough play-off draw.

“We always want to do well at home so the team is gutted that we came close but didn’t finish on top," he said.

"That said, we faced a lot of adversity in the tournament and our guys, particularly our newer squad members, would have learned a lot from that experience.”

The team departs from Wellington for the USA on Monday evening and the USA Sevens in San Diego takes place on 14-15 February.

New Zealand Sevens squad: Paul Grant (Otago), Nigel Hunt (Bay of Plenty), Zar Lawrence (Bay of Plenty), Tim Nanai Williams (Counties Manukau), Tim Mikkelson (Waikato), Lote Raikabula (Manawatu), Ben Souness (Taranaki), Save Tokula (Waikato), Nafi Tuitavake (North Harbour), Chad Tuoro (Counties Manukau), Tu Umaga Marshall (Wellington), Viliame Waqaseduadua (North Harbour)